Here is how major stock markets outside the United States ended on Friday.
Construction stocks were among the best performers, led by a 4.4 percent gain for British house-builder Persimmon, which spurred speculation it was looking for acquisitions after saying it had appointed a new broker.
Shares in Ireland's top telecoms carrier Eircom traded briskly but at a discount to their issue price on Friday as the company returned to the stock market after a three-year absence. The stock closed at 1.54 euros.
The FTSE Eurotop 300 index of pan-European blue chips ended up 0.4 percent at 977 points, with nearly three issues rising for each two that fell, while volume was heavier than average.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index rose 5.9 points or 0.2 percent to 3,435.3, up 33.0 from last Friday.
The broad all-share index closed 0.9 percent or 94.08 points down at 10,815.99 but up on the week by 58.10 points.
The All Gold index closed at 2273.21 points, up 7.55 or 0.33 percent and higher by 61.62 points since last weekend.
The Industrial index closed at 7307.98 points, down 27.7 or 0.38 percent, but rising on the week by 71.99 points.